Quick day trips from San Antonio

By By Emily Bamforth and Cinde Ramirez

Want to go on vacation without breaking the bank? Check out these nearby hot spots for possible day trip options.

Want to go on vacation without breaking the bank? Check out these nearby hot spots for possible day trip options.

Photo: John Davenport, San Antonio Express-News

Want to go on vacation without breaking the bank? Check out these... Photo-3186386.66854 - San Antonio Express-News

Image 2 of 13 |
Mustang Island State Park

Take a quick road trip to Mustang Island State Park, it's about 170 miles away from San Antonio and driving there takes about two and a half hours. The undeveloped beach is ideal for nature lovers. It's about 24 miles long, between other popular beaches like Port Aransas and Padre Island. You can camp, hike, fish, surf or have a picnic with the family along the beach. less

Take a quick road trip to Mustang Island State Park, it's about 170 miles away from San Antonio and driving there takes about two and a half hours. The undeveloped beach is ideal for nature lovers. It's about ... more

Photo: Eddie Seal

Take a quick road trip to Mustang Island State Park, it's... Photo-3200274.66854 - San Antonio Express-News

Image 3 of 13 |
New Braunfels

New Braunfels, about 34 miles away and about a 35 minute drive north, is perfect for a day of float tubing, kayaking, swimming and fishing on this stretch of the river.

New Braunfels, about 34 miles away and about a 35 minute drive north, is perfect for a day of float tubing, kayaking, swimming and fishing on this stretch of the river.

New Braunfels, about 34 miles away and about a 35 minute drive... Photo-5897921.66854 - San Antonio Express-News

Image 4 of 13 |
Landa Park

New Braunfels is also known for Landa Park. After you tube around the river you can play volleyball, miniature golf, or look at the beautiful scenery on a miniature train that rides around the park.

New Braunfels is also known for Landa Park. After you tube around the river you can play volleyball, miniature golf, or look at the beautiful scenery on a miniature train that rides around the park.

New Braunfels is also known for Landa Park. After you tube around... Photo-3768664.66854 - San Antonio Express-News

Image 5 of 13 |
San Marcos

A stretch about 51 miles away from San Antonio, about an hour's drive north. San Marcos has a river too, so, bring the tubes, and/or the floaties, and jump in. If the river isn't your thing, a family pool that accommodates babies and adults is nearby. You can have a picnic with the friends and/or family, or just lay along the side the water. But that's not the only thing San Marcos offers. If shopping, bar hopping, or having fun with the kids is your thing, the town has Premium and Tanger outlets which are every shopper's dream come true. There are many parks in the town, like Wonder World Park, which provides an educational adventure for the kids. less

A stretch about 51 miles away from San Antonio, about an hour's drive north. San Marcos has a river too, so, bring the tubes, and/or the floaties, and jump in. If the river isn't your thing, a family pool that ... more

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

A stretch about 51 miles away from San Antonio, about an... Photo-4343732.66854 - San Antonio Express-News

Image 6 of 13 |
Garner State Park

Stroll along the Frio River, or just dive in at Garner State Park. It's about 90 miles away from San Antonio, a nice road trip of about and hour and a half.

Stroll along the Frio River, or just dive in at Garner State Park. It's about 90 miles away from San Antonio, a nice road trip of about and hour and a half.

Stroll along the Frio River, or just dive in at Garner State Park.... Photo-5855967.66854 - San Antonio Express-News

Image 7 of 13 |
Cascade Caverns

Located just outside San Antonio, Cascade Caverns offer visitors a look beneath the surface of the Texas Hill Country. The cavern stays 68 degrees year around - making it a perfect place to beat the summer heat - plus it features a 100 foot underground waterfall. (Texas Travel) less

Located just outside San Antonio, Cascade Caverns offer visitors a look beneath the surface of the Texas Hill Country. The cavern stays 68 degrees year around - making it a perfect place to beat the summer heat ... more

Soak up in a canyon along the Medina River at Paradise Canyon. It's about 40 miles away and will be about an hour drive west from San Antonio. You can also hold special events at Paradise Canyon, like a baptism, a wedding, or host a private party. less

Soak up in a canyon along the Medina River at Paradise Canyon. It's about 40 miles away and will be about an hour drive west from San Antonio. You can also hold special events at Paradise Canyon, like a ... more

Photo: Web

Soak up in a canyon along the Medina River at Paradise Canyon.... Photo-4949508.66854 - San Antonio Express-News

Image 9 of 13 |
Lockhart

It's Texas, afterall, and Lockhartis known for its barbecue. It's about an hour away from San Antonio — about 69 miles north of the city. Aside from the delicious barbecue, there's also a fishing pond, antique shops, and The City Park, home to a variety of sports that can make for a wonderful day trip. less

It's Texas, afterall, and Lockhart is known for its barbecue. It's about an hour away from San Antonio — about 69 miles north of the city. Aside from the delicious barbecue, there's also a fishing pond, ... more

Photo: Web

It's Texas, afterall, and Lockhart is known for its... Photo-4949510.66854 - San Antonio Express-News

Image 10 of 13 |
Lake Amistad

Located near the border town of Del Rio, Lake Amistad was formed when the Rio Grande was dammed in 1969. It's remote location is part of its charm, as are its clear, sprawling waters. Massive Lake Amistad encompasses nearly 70,000 surface acres, which are shared between Mexico and the United States. (Texas Travel) less

Located near the border town of Del Rio, Lake Amistad was formed when the Rio Grande was dammed in 1969. It's remote location is part of its charm, as are its clear, sprawling waters. Massive Lake Amistad ... more

Located near the border town of Del Rio, Lake Amistad was formed... Photo-5296848.66854 - San Antonio Express-News

Image 11 of 13 |
Natural Bridge Caverns

The underground wonder of The Natural Bridge Caverns offers a host of above-ground educational activities for kids of all ages.

The underground wonder of The Natural Bridge Caverns offers a host of above-ground educational activities for kids of all ages.

Photo: Natural Bridge Caverns

The underground wonder of The Natural Bridge Caverns offers a host... Photo-5978968.66854 - San Antonio Express-News

Image 12 of 13 |
Fredericksburg

One of the most popular small towns in Texas, Fredericksburg offers visitors quaint shopping and fine dining in a relaxing Hill Country atmosphere. Fredricksburg is also rich in history and is home to several events and festivals throughout the year. (Texas Travel) less

One of the most popular small towns in Texas, Fredericksburg offers visitors quaint shopping and fine dining in a relaxing Hill Country atmosphere. Fredricksburg is also rich in history and is home to several ... more

One of the most popular small towns in Texas, Fredericksburg offers... Photo-4456701.66854 - San Antonio Express-News